Today, I bring forth a series of mini-reviews of cigars from the Big Smoke, including the Padilla Reserva Maduro which I'm smoking as I write:

Padilla Reserva Maduro Toro
Size: 5.7 x 50
Tobacco: Nicaragua
Price: $8.75

A long thin cigar beautifully wrapped in a dark, oily, toothy wrapper.  There are two veins in the leaf, one near the foot and one off the head.  Otherwise, the leaf is almost unnaturally smooth.  This is a vintage high quality maduro cigar, with none of the harshness or faintly chemical taste that you get with low-end maduros.  Burns slow with a smooth but not sweet taste.  Thick floral aroma, with very little aftertaste.

La Aroma de Cuba Robusto
Size: 5.5 x 54 (the "Marquis Tube")
Tobacco: Nicaraguan
Price: $5.25

I had two of these cigars:  The first I smoked to celebrate Alabama's 44-13 victory over Tennessee.  The second I smoked in Las Vegas; it was supposed to be a victory cigar, but instead it was my consolation cigar in the Planet Hollywood Casino sportsbook after we lost to Texas A&M 24-29.

This cigar has a great pedigree, blended by Jose 'Don Pepin' Garcia and distributed by Ashton, the same partnership that resulted in San Cristobol cigars.  It sports a dark, glossy wrapper with a colorful ornate band and a solid red foot band.

The cigar is spicy, but not as much as many of Don Pepin's other brands like his Black, Blue, and Series JJ lines. It has a husky, oaky flavor with a long finish.  It reminded me a lot of Glenmorangie single malt scotch.
Shaun raved about this cigar, saying it was one of his all-time Top 5.

Tatuaje Seleccion de Cazador
Size:  5 5/8" x 46 (Size is known as "7th")
Tobacco: Nicaraguan with an Ecuadorian wrapper
Price: $8.12

This is the cigar I smoked at the Big Smoke event in Las Vegas.  It was spicy, with medium-full body.  It had an absolutely intoxicating aroma, remarking one person beside me to exclaim "That is the best smelling cigar in the whole room!"  (and keep in mind, there were probably around 300 puffing furiously in that room at the time.)

It was a great complement to the prime rib dinner and my Balvenie after-dinner drink.  A slow cool burn that lasted about 50 minutes.

Diamond Crown Maximus
Tobacco: Nicaraguan

The Diamond Crown Maximus line is the results of a partnership between the Oliva family (which grows the tobacco), the Fuente family (which blends the cigars), and the JC Newman company (which distributes the cigars in the United States).

This was my New Year's Eve cigar.  Shaun and I smoked them in the afternoon before we left to a great party at Glen and Jenna Lowery's house.  For some reason I don't remember the specifics of the cigar like the size, the wrapper, or what we talked about while we smoked.  Shaun thinks it was a maduro.  I do  remember liking it very much.

My tasting notes at the time were:  "Tastes like dense dark burnt pecans with hints of pepper and java.  Long finish."

Zino Platinum
Size: 7 x 48
Tobacco: Dominican
Price: Unknown

I could not find any information online about the Zino Platinum I smoked.  Mine was about 7 inches long, with a 48 ring gauge, and the band looks slightly different than the one pictured above. The cigar had an impeccable draw and flawless construction.  It was too mild for my taste.  I would smoke one again, if given to me, but it's not a cigar I would seek out.

My Father Le Bijou 1922 Petite Robusto
Size: 4.5 x 50
Wrapper: Pelo de Oro Habano Oscuro
Filler: Nicaraguan
Price: $7.25

Last Friday, Shaun and Charity came for a visit; thankfully, they were shopping for a house this time, to make their return permanent. We had a great dinner at The Majestic Grille: New York strip steak, with garlic mashed potatoes and a red carmenere wine from Chile. Afterwards, we strolled to King's Palace Cafe on Beale, to listen to a jazz trio, where I tried The Singleton, a new scotch for me. Finally, we ended up at the Cigar Emporium on 2nd. A really nice, plush shop with lots of seating. They have plans to add a martini bar.

This cigar received a 90-point rating in CA. My Father Le Bijou 1922 is a new extension of Pepin Garcia's pricey My Father line. Le Bijou means "the Jewel" in French. (I have no idea what 1922 references.) It features a dark black Ecuadorian-grown Habano Oscuro wrapper. Like most Pepins, it starts with a blast of black pepper which quickly abates into a medium/full smoke. Unlike the Cuban Classic or Blue Label, this cigar didn't pick up its spice again in the final third. Construction was great, and though short this cigar lasted a full hour.

Very enjoyable, although not noticeably better than some of Pepin's less expensive offerings.

5 Vegas Miami Toro
Size: 6 x 48
Tobacco: Nicaragua (corojo wrapper)
Price: $5

How did I smoke a full box of these cigars and somehow forget to write a review? I don't know. I aged them two years, then consumed them between March and July of 2011. They all have dark, glossy, oily wrappers. Prelight aroma is dense and pungent.

They follow the famiiliar pattern of Don Pepin cigars: initial blast of pepper, followed consistently by an earthy, full-bodied taste that never varies throughout the rest of the smoke. The 5 Vegas Miami blend is in fact a little pedestrian for Pepin: After that initial assault of flavor right at the beginning, this cigar settles into a medium-full range, rather than becoming a powerhouse like the Cuban Classic or JJ blends.

Postlight aroma is sweet and satisfying. Decent aftertaste, but not overpowering. Would definitely buy another box at the right price.

Postscript 6-9-14: I have been smoking my way through a 10-pack of 5 Vegas Miami Churchills with 1 year, 4 months age on them.  These churchills don't have that initial blast of pepper spice, but otherwise my impressions are very similar to the toro:  earthy, full-bodied with a moderate amount of spice but not much complexity. 

State of the Humidor - Jan 2011

New cigars to try in 2011: Tampa Sweetheart #85 (second to Fuente 8-5-8), Joya de Nicaragua Fuerte

Last cigar of 2010: OpusX
First cigar of 2011: CAO America

Best (new) cigar of 2010: Ashton ESG Churchill
Worst (new) cigar of 2010: Hand-rolled Guatemalans

New cigars I tried in 2010, that I would purchase again in the future: King Corona Ybor Handmades, El Sol Parejos 6X Sumatra, Cain by Oliva, Ybor City Plus, 5 Vegas Cask Strength, Don Pepin Series JJ, Cohiba Robusto (Cuban), Padilla Signature 1932, Private Stock, La Flor de Murias, Ashton ESG,

New cigars I tried in 2010, that I would not purchase again: Tio Pepe, Padilla Habano, Patel Brothers, Calle Ocho, Bucanero Red, G.A.R. by George Rico, Perdomo Lot 23, Quesada Tributo

My goal is to reduce my capacity to 2 humidors--a large one for 1-2 years' box aging and another for current smokes. Right now, I'm running 4 humidors, and here is an approximate listing of their contents from memory:

Box of La Herencia Cubana
Box of Flor de Allones
Box of Padilla Hybrid
Box of Boardwalk
Box of Saint Luis Rey
Box of CI Legends-Graycliff
Box of Gran Habano #5 Pyramid
Bundle of Calle Ocho
Bundle of Perdomo Slow-Aged
Bundle of JR Alternative - La Gloria Cubana
Sol Cubano Cuban Cabinet (partial box)
5 Vegas Miami (partial box)
Omar Ortez Originals (partial box)
Don Kiki Brown Label (partial box)
Ramon Allones Reserve (partial box)
Tio Pepe (partial bundle)
Montecristo Media Noche (5-pack)
La Gloria Cubana Wavell (5-pack)
Bahia Blue (5-pack)
Gran Habano #1 (singles)
Punch Champion (single)
Fuente 8-5-8 Sungrown (single)
Leon Jimines (single)
RP Corojo (single)
Carlos Torano 1916 (single)

I've also converted the top tray of my large humidor into what I call the Lost Sticks Cemetary. I save the last cigar from each box and put it in this tray for long-term aging, just to see how some sticks will hold up for 3-5 years.

One interesting experiment to note is that the last two Ramon Allones Reserves I smoked were extremely bitter. Since the first few I smoked were excellent, I am pretty sure this is an indication these cigars are "turning". This happened to me years ago with a box, but I didn't know what was happening, so I just assumed the cigars weren't any good and I wasted them as 2nd-cigars-of-the-night or gave them to nonsmoking friends who couldn't tell the difference. This time, I'm letting the rest of the box age patiently, and I am excited about trying them again this summer.

CIGAR REVIEWS FROM NCL CRUISE:


1. Hand-rolled Guatemalans





During the cruise, I got sick and was quarantined for two days in my room, so I completely missed the horseback riding excursion in Guatemala. When I was finally released from captivity, my friends had bought one of these beauties for me.

I hate to pan a gift, but truthfully it tasted like smoking grass clippings from the backyard. This is not an exaggeration. I should have stayed in my room.







2. Cohiba (Cuban)
Most memorable cigar of the trip. I’ve reviewed Cuban Cohibas before. This was a robusto that Steve Laster gifted to me. Definitely stronger than the larger Cuban Cohibas I’ve had. More spice, less earth. Reminiscent of the Cuban RyJ Romeo #2
Mike Gross gave me back in '06.









3. Don Pepin Serie JJ

Size: 5 x 50
Tobacco: Nicaraguan puro
Price: $7-8

I’ve said it before. Pepin makes great cigars, but they almost all taste the same.

The Natural is hardly distinguishable the Cuban Classic. Burst of pepper at beginning and end.

The Maduro is slightly more tame. i.e., the burst of pepper is not quite as strong. Similar to Pepin’s 5 Vegas Miami blend. This is the cigar that precipitated my 2-day illness, but I'm blaming it on the lobster, not the smoke.

Update 8-22-10: Cigars Direct sent me a Don Pepin Series JJ Maduro robusto shortly after I wrote my original review. It was, again, a very memorable cigar. The second time around, I picked up more pronounced leather flavor underneath the pepper spice.


4. 5 Vegas Cask Strength

Size: 6 x 52
Ring: 52
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Nicaragua
Price: ~$6.75 each

Corojo wrapper. All ligero fillers.

I smoked this a while ago, and I should have taken better notes. Here is what I remember: A very strong cigar. Not spicy, per se, but strong . Consume with scotch or bourbon (no ice). Don't attempt it with American beer.

State of the Humidor - Jan 2010

New cigars to try in 2010: Don Kiki Brown Label, Don Pepin Serie JJ, Don Pepin Blue, Sol Cubano, Flor de Murias, Tampa Sweetheart #85 (second to Fuente 8-5-8)

Last cigar of 2009: My New Year's Eve lineup consisted of a Padron 1926 Anniversary robusto, paired with Maker's Mark, followed by an Omar Ortez Original belicoso.
First cigar of 2010: DPG Series JJ Maduro (celebrating the University of Alabama's 2009 National Championship in the Rose Bowl)

Best (new) cigar of 2009: Oliva Serie V
Worst (new) cigar of 2009: RP Olde World Reserve Corojo

New cigars I tried in 2009, that I would purchase again in the future: La Herencia Cubana, Africa by Don Lino, Perdomo Fresh-Rolled, La Invicta, La Tradicion Perdomo, Ashton Benchmade, Verdadero Organic, Vegas de Fonseca, La Flor de Cano, Graycliff 1666, Casa Magna, Rocky Patel Edge Maduro, Ramon Allones Reserve, Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Maduro, Cuesta Rey Centro Fino Sungrown, Medina 1959 Miami Edition, CAO Gold Maduro,Man O'War, Oliva Serie 'O', Oliva Serie 'V'

New cigars I tried in 2009, that I would not purchase again: Fonseca 5-50, Fonseca Vintage, Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Corojo, Gran Habano 3 Siglos

I'm running five humidors right now. Here an approximate list of their contents:
(3) Gran Habano #1 Robusto
(3) 5 Vegas Limitada 2008 Torpedo
(3) Punch Gran Puro Bonita
(7) El Mejor Emerald Robusto
(19) Padilla Hybrid Robusto
(35) Fresh-Rolled Perdomo Cuban Wheel Double Corona
(50) Omar Ortiz Originals bellicoso
(19) Tio Pepe Churchill
(25) Don Kiki Brown Label Churchill
(20) Gran Habano #5 Pyramid
(25) Sol Cubano Cuban Cabinet Toro
(24) 5 Vegas Miami Toro
(24) La Flor de Murias Epicure
(23) Ramon Allones Reserve Corona Gorda
(5) Gurkha Master Select Churchill
(6) 5 Vegas Cask Strength
(3) Gran Habano 3 Siglos Torpedo
(6) Bahia Blue Robusto
(8) Man O'War Churchill
(20) Legends Graycliff Toro
(20) Calle Ocho Churchill
(20) Perdomo Slow-Aged Glorioso
(20) Flor de Allones Maximo
(20) La Herencia Cubana Toro
(1) DPG Cuban Classic
(1) DPG Series JJ Natural
(1) DPG Blue Label
(1) DPG Legends
(2) Gurkha Class Regent

plus, I'm sure, a few assorted sticks, quietly forgotten, aging patiently until I find them again.

Ashton Benchmade Churchill
Size: 7.0 x 50
Tobacco: Nicaraguan puro
Price: $3.25

Pepin is the Clint Eastwood of cigars: he may play the same character over and over, but it's always fun to watch.

I happened to stop by the Tinder Box in Collierville on the way home from work. I was in the mood for something to smoke on the drive home, but didn't want to spend much money, so I picked up the cheapest thing they had: Ashton Benchmade. (Tinder Box was having an "Ashton event" with free with hors d'oeuvres).

Benchmade is a sandwich cigar blended by Don Pepin. I paid $3 for mine; they are available online for around $50-65 for a box of 25.

The first thing I noticed about this cigar was the pigtail cap. The wrapper was extremely dark and toothy but also splotchy with a lot of veins. The head of the cigar was a little soft, not uncommon with sandwich cigars. Despite the lack of long filler tobacco, it burned with no problems at all. The draw was loose without being hot. It even stayed lit when I sat it down for 10 minutes to go into another store.

The taste was vintage Pepin. Very spicy and peppery at the beginning and the end. In the middle, the strength abated and was supplemented by notes of leather. Not complex, but good nonetheless. Tasted very similar to every other Pepin cigar I've had.

The biggest drawback of Benchmade, however, was the little flakes of tobacco that kept falling into my mouth. I remembered why I don't like sandwich cigars to begin with.

Three By “Don” Pepin Garcia

Pepin Garcia is the new “it” guy in the cigar-blending world (he took over that mantle from Rocky Patel about two years ago). His cigars command top dollar in stores, whether they are made in his El Rey de los Habanos factory, or one of the many house blends he created for just about every large cigar retailer. He is probably most famous for his early blends, including Padilla Miami 8&11 and Tatuaje. His cigars are generally known for their spicy, bold flavors.

San Cristobal Toro
Size: 6 x 50
Tobacco: Nicaraguan
Price: $9

Back in April, I bought two San Cristobals at Tinder Box. These cigars were blended by Pepin Garcia and manufactured by Ashton. With their colorful bands and dark, oily corojo wrappers, they have quickly become that company’s most popular product. The plan was to age them five months, then Shaun and I were going to smoke them on the first Saturday of college football season, relaxing on the beach at Gulf Shores, if Alabama won its game against Clemson.

Well, we did win. Shaun said his victory San Cristobal tasted great and burned like a champ. Mine tasted good—very spicy with rich nutty flavors-- but the draw was terrible. It was so tight it was like trying to suck a milkshake through a coffee straw. I'd love to try another one, because I think I'd really like the cigar, but at $9 a pop, I doubt I'll ever risk the money again.

CI Legends by Pepin (Yellow Label)
Size: 5.7 x 54
Tobacco: Nicaraguan
Price: $3.75

Thanks to Shaun for letting me sample a couple of these from his personal stock during football season. These are probably the least expensive cigars made by Pepin (excluding sandwich cigars). Like the San Cristobal, the overwhelming flavor is one of pepper. The corojo wrapper is not as dark and oily as the San Cristobal, and the bands lack that same multi-colored punch, but these cigars taste eerily similar, and without the draw problems. In fact, they are rolled very loose and smoke quickly.

Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic 1979
Aka Black Label
Size: 5 x 50
Tobacco: Nicaraguan
Price: $6.15

My 3rd outing with Pepin Garcia was remarkably similar to the first two. The Cuban Classic is one of three lines that bear the name “Don Pepin Garcia” instead of the byline by Don Pepin Garcia (The other two are DPG Blue Label and DPG Series JJ).

Like San Cristobal and CI Legends, this cigar comes dressed in a corojo wrapper and is dominated by (you guessed it!) flavors of pepper-spice and toasted nuts. I’d give this cigar a nod over the other two due to its construction. It is a very heavy, tightly packed robusto that burned with precision accuracy for an hour. (Paired well with a Christmas Black Ale)

Vibe Corojo Robusto
Size: 5 x 52
Tobacco: Nicaragua/Honduras
Price: $2.50

After reading good reviews online, I secured a 5-pack of these dark, loosely packed robustos on CigarBid.com for $10.95, including shipping. I dryboxed them for a week, then dropped them in the humidor. I was not expecting much, to be honest; they seem to be marketed as an almost-but-not-quite-Rocky Patel off-brand. I have been pleasantly surprised though. The cigars have smooth, dark brown wrappers, with solid construction and problem-free burn. I've tasted distinct coffee flavors throughout the smoke, coupled with a loose draw and robust aroma. The slightly sweet flavor of corojo is there at times, although fleeting. Stronger than I expected, falls somewhere between medium-full. One became bitter at the 1" mark, so I had to let it go sooner than I wanted, but I've nubbed the others.

I investigated the ownership of this brand and it is complicated. The cigars are owned by United Tobacco, a company that up until 2005 was only involved in cigar distribution, not private branding. In 2005, United Tobacco decided to get into the blending/rolling business and hired Rocky Patel to make some cigars in Nestor Plasencia's Honduran factory, where Indian Tabac products are rolled. This partnership produced Vibe and REO, two lines sold under the trademark name "EO Premium Brands". These two lines were be a big hit initially, so United Tobacco approached Pepin Garcia a year later to see what he could do--and thus, 601 Serie cigars were born. 601 has become so popular (along with everything else Pepin makes) it has completely eclipsed the earlier brands. In fact, the United Tobacco web site is now dedicated exclusively to 601 Serie and does not mention Vibe or REO at all. I won't be surprised if Vibe disappears soon, as neither United Tobacco nor Rocky Patel seem interested in promoting it.

If that happens, it will be a shame because Vibe is an worthwhile, underrated $2 cigar.